More “High-tech” Learning for Public Schools Students

DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones says learners in public schools may look forward to more “high-tech” learning

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that many learners in public schools may look forward to more “high-tech” learning as the Department of Education (DepEd) strengthens its computerization program this year.

“Maraming bansa ngayon, kasama ang Pilipinas, gusto nang gamitin na ang lahat ng mga learning resources ay ilagay na sa tablet (Right now, there are so many countries, including the Philippines, who want to collate learning resources into [electronic] tablets,” Briones said when she visited the Quezon City High School recently.

Briones added that these learning materials contained in tablets, however, will be left at school. “All formal education will just be in school, so that when students go home they will just bond with their family and friends,” she added.

Data obtained by the Manila Bulletin from DepEd Education Management Information System Division as of May 7 showed that for SY 2017-2018, there were a total of 797, 865 computers: both academic and administrative use.

For academic use, there were 717, 035 computers: 268, 126 for elementary (Grades 1-6); 355, 136 for Junior High School (JHS or Grades 7-10) and 93, 773 for Senior High School (SHS or Grades 11-12).

Briones also announced that aside from the usual classrooms, laboratories, equipment and learning resources, the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) will be intensified this year.

DepEd data showed that under the DCP, the Department will provide 11,000 standalone computers for Senior High School (SHS) and 238,000 tablets will be procured for 4, 760 DepEd SHS amounting to P8, 647, 589, 756.

Earlier, DepEd already inspected the new set of computer packages that will be deployed to schools starting this year. DepEd has also announced the timelines for the delivery and installation of the said packages and the introduction of new theft and fencing countermeasures.

Briones noted that countermeasures to deter theft and pilferage of DCP equipment include changing the color of DCP-issued devices to blue; the public warning that the said packages are government property; and that mere possession of such outside of public schools can be grounds for prosecution.

Further, Briones said that this effort is in response to incidents of theft of DCP packages in schools. In 2017, DepEd said that P6.58 billion was allocated for the program, while P9.9 billion was earmarked in 2018, making it a big-ticket item in DepEd’s annual budget.

The DCP is designed to provide public schools with the “latest and most relevant ICT that would enhance the teaching and learning process, and help meet the challenges of the 21st century.”